Need one more bike fix before winter fully hits? Here’s 10 reasons, as written by Bike Snob, you should head to the Philly Bike Expo on November 4-5, 2017…
1. Convenience
Philadelphia is conveniently located on the eastern seaboard of the United States. As such, it’s an easy day trip for those of who reside in the northeast, plus it’s easily accessible from pretty much anywhere via car, train, or plane–unlike a certain annual bike industry tradeshow with an affinity for deserts we won’t name.
2. It’s Right Downtown
The Pennsylvania Convention Center’s convenient downtown location means the Expo’s right around the corner from Reading Terminal Market, a mere mile and a half from 30th Street Station, and less than two miles from the famous “Rocky Steps” of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Warning: nothing says “I’m a rube!” like running up and down the Rocky Steps.)
What’s that? Not bringing a bike? Philly has bike share. You’re all set.
3. Test Rides!
If you want to try a bike at most shows you’ve got to snag it when nobody’s looking and try not to crash into the Honey Stinger stand, which is why I’m not allowed back at most of them. But at the Philly Bike Expo, not only is there a large indoor test ride area, there’s even a kid’s test track. So have a beer and let ‘er rip!*
*[Drink responsibly. Always wait at least 45 minutes per beer before riding. Bina Bilenky may perform random sobriety tests.]
4. E-bikes
What’s more fun than whipping around a test track on a bicycle? Whipping around a test track on an electric bicycle! That’s right, this year the Electric Bike Expo is running in conjunction with the good old fashioned analog Expo. And the test track even includes a hill, which means you can open the throttle and try to catch some air.**
*[Do not open the throttle and try to catch some air. The Philly Bike Expo will not be held responsible for your pathetic failed stunting attempts.]
5. Exhibitors, exhibitors, exhibitors!
So who’s going to be at the Philly Bike Expo this year? Only over 160 of the finest framebuilders, component and apparel makers, and bike organizations in the world–oh, and Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing, who are going to have their work cut out for them with all the bike freaks drooling over those custom bikes. So get your holiday shopping done early this year instead of waiting until the last minute and buying everybody cans of Pringles from the gas station like you usually do.
6. Seminars
There’s more to life than just stuff. That’s why in addition to thousands of square feet of cycling finery the Philly Bike Expo offers you knowledge in the form of twenty (2) seminars. See! Benedict Wheeler and his inspiring beard. Hear! Happy Freedman on the science of bike fitting. Taste! Sweet justice as Michael McGettigan of Trophy Bikes tells you how to thwart Philly’s bike thieves. And many more. There’s even a seminar on bikepacking, which will come in handy for the trip home
7. Rides
Get some saddle time and see the city! Jon Knauer will lead morning rides Saturday and Sunday which will incorporate the famous Manayunk wall, and GS Landlords will lead a ride through Northwest Philadelphia on Sunday morning. There’s even a “mixed terrain” ride in the offing! Anyway, isn’t riding bikes the whole point?
8. Mingle With The Framebuilding Greats
I mean come on, look at this list of exhibitors! It’s like having the artisanal framebuilding power of six Portlands all in one convention center. Richard Sachs and Stephen Bilenky alone are responsible for roughly 98% of the world’s lugged steel bicycle output. Don’t squander this fabulous opportunity to bask in their auras.
9. Yoga for Cyclists!
We cyclists may be fit, but we don’t move our bodies enough–and bending over to ratchet up your Sidis doesn’t count. Let Ruchama Bilenky, certified yoga instructor and therapist, turn you back into a human being again.
10. Organizational Expertise
Bina Bilenky runs the proceedings with a lugged steel fist to ensure a top-notch show-going experience for you. I’ve been visiting from the very beginning and it keeps getting better. Don’t miss it.
